Local Lutherans Announce Position on Boy Scouts Policy

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – The St. Louis-based Lutheran Church Missouri Synod has announced its official position on the Boy Scouts’ policy on gay members.

Rev. Bart Day oversees the Missouri Synod’s relationship with the Boy Scouts. He says the denomination will honor the Scouts’ decision to allow gay members but will leave it up to each individual congregation to decide what to do next.

“Congregations need to make the decision and really make the decision based on the high level of commitment on their part to actually be involved with the scouting program and with the troop at their congregation,” Day said.

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod represents 2.3 million members in 6,200 congregations.

Boy Scouts of America announced their change of policy in May. Day says congregations should “proceed in scouting with caution.”

“Understand the pros and cons, not only of Boy Scouts of America, but also of this new organization Trail Life USA which is certainly kind of coming into its own now as an option for those who want a more faith-based, Christian scouting program. There are pros and cons to both of those,” Day added.